Best One-Day Trips from Alicante: Discover Nearby Gems
Altea
Explore the best of Altea in a day!
Guadalest
Explore the best of Guadalest in a day!
Elche
Explore the best of Elche in a day!
Villajoyosa
Explore the best of Villajoyosa in a day!
One-Day Trip from Alicante to Altea
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Alicante: 50 km (31 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 45 minutes by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the AP-7 highway north from Alicante to Altea. The drive is scenic and straightforward.
- By Bus: ALSA operates regular buses from Alicante to Altea, taking approximately 1 hour.
Main Attractions
Old Town (Casco Antiguo) Altea's Old Town is a charming maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers. The area is known for its artistic vibe, with numerous galleries and craft shops. The highlight is the Church of Our Lady of Consolation with its iconic blue-domed roof.
Altea Beach (Playa de la Roda) This beautiful pebble beach offers crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It's perfect for a relaxing stroll or a refreshing swim. The beach is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with a view.
Altea Market Held every Tuesday, the Altea Market is a bustling place where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It's a great spot to experience local culture and pick up unique souvenirs.
Itinerary Suggestions
Start your day with a visit to the Old Town, exploring its picturesque streets and visiting the Church of Our Lady of Consolation. Mid-morning, head down to Altea Beach for a leisurely walk and perhaps a swim. For lunch, enjoy some local cuisine at one of the beachfront restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Altea Market if it's a Tuesday, or spend more time exploring the town's art galleries and shops. Return to Alicante in the early evening.
Local Food
- Arroz a Banda: A traditional rice dish cooked in fish broth.
- Turrón: A type of nougat made with almonds and honey, popular in the region.
- Paella Valenciana: A classic Spanish dish with rice, saffron, and a variety of meats or seafood.
Local Tips
For the best photo opportunities, head to the Mirador Cronistas de España in the Old Town, which offers panoramic views of the coastline. Don't miss the hidden alleys and small squares, which are less crowded and perfect for a quiet moment.
One-Day Trip from Alicante to Guadalest
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Alicante: 65 km (40 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Drive north on the AP-7 and then take the CV-70 inland towards Guadalest. The route offers beautiful mountain scenery.
- By Bus: ALSA operates buses to Benidorm, where you can transfer to a local bus to Guadalest. Total travel time is around 2 hours.
Main Attractions
Guadalest Castle (Castell de Guadalest) Perched high on a cliff, this historic castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and reservoir. The castle dates back to the 11th century and is a fascinating place to explore.
Guadalest Reservoir A stunning turquoise reservoir located below the town. You can take a boat trip or simply enjoy the views from various vantage points around the town.
Ethnological Museum This museum provides a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region, showcasing artifacts, tools, and household items from centuries past. It's an educational and interesting stop for history buffs.
Itinerary Suggestions
Begin your day with a visit to Guadalest Castle, taking your time to explore its history and enjoy the panoramic views. Mid-morning, head down to the reservoir for a boat trip or a leisurely walk. For lunch, try some local dishes at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Ethnological Museum and wander around the charming streets of Guadalest. Return to Alicante in the early evening.
Local Food
- Gazpacho Manchego: A hearty stew made with game meat and flatbread.
- Embutidos: Local cured sausages and meats.
- Almojábanas: Sweet pastries made with cheese and honey.
Local Tips
For the best views of the reservoir, head to the viewing platform near the castle. The town can get busy, so try to arrive early to avoid the crowds. Don't forget to bring comfortable walking shoes as the streets are steep and cobbled.
One-Day Trip from Alicante to Elche
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Alicante: 23 km (14 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 25 minutes by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Take the A-31 highway southwest from Alicante to Elche. The drive is quick and easy.
- By Train: Renfe operates regular trains from Alicante to Elche, taking about 30 minutes.
Main Attractions
Palmeral of Elche (El Palmeral) A UNESCO World Heritage site, this vast palm grove is one of the largest in Europe. It's a beautiful place to walk, with shaded paths and tranquil ponds. The highlight is the Huerto del Cura, a garden within the grove featuring exotic plants and sculptures.
Basilica of Santa Maria This stunning basilica is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Inside, you'll find intricate altarpieces and beautiful frescoes. The basilica is also famous for hosting the Mystery Play of Elche, a UNESCO-recognized cultural event.
Elche Archaeological and History Museum (MAHE) This museum offers a fascinating journey through the history of Elche, from prehistoric times to the present day. Highlights include the Lady of Elche, an ancient Iberian sculpture.
Itinerary Suggestions
Start your day with a visit to the Palmeral of Elche, taking a leisurely walk through the palm groves and visiting the Huerto del Cura. Mid-morning, head to the Basilica of Santa Maria to admire its architecture and learn about its history. For lunch, enjoy some local cuisine at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Elche Archaeological and History Museum to delve deeper into the town's past. Return to Alicante in the early evening.
Local Food
- Arroz con Costra: A rice dish with a crust made from beaten eggs.
- Dátiles: Fresh dates from the local palm groves.
- Mojama: Cured tuna, often served as a tapa.
Local Tips
For the best experience, visit the Palmeral early in the morning when it's cooler and less crowded. The rooftop of the Basilica of Santa Maria offers fantastic views of the town and the palm groves. Don't miss the local markets for fresh dates and other regional specialties.
One-Day Trip from Alicante to Villajoyosa
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Alicante: 32 km (20 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes by Car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Drive north on the N-332 coastal road to Villajoyosa. The route offers beautiful sea views.
- By Train: The TRAM Metropolitano de Alicante runs from Alicante to Villajoyosa, taking about 40 minutes.
Main Attractions
Villajoyosa Beach (Playa Centro) This sandy beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The clear waters are ideal for swimming, and the promenade is lined with colorful houses and cafes.
Valor Chocolate Museum Villajoyosa is famous for its chocolate, and the Valor Chocolate Museum offers a fascinating look at the history and production of this sweet treat. The tour includes tastings, making it a must-visit for chocolate lovers.
Old Town (Casco Antiguo) The Old Town of Villajoyosa is a charming area with narrow streets and brightly painted houses. It's a great place to wander and soak up the local atmosphere.
Itinerary Suggestions
Begin your day with a visit to Villajoyosa Beach, enjoying a swim or a walk along the promenade. Mid-morning, head to the Valor Chocolate Museum for a tour and some tastings. For lunch, try some local dishes at a beachfront restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Old Town, taking in the colorful houses and quaint streets. Return to Alicante in the early evening.
Local Food
- Fideuà: A seafood dish similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice.
- Coca de Mollitas: A savory pastry topped with a crumbly mixture of flour, oil, and salt.
- Chocolate Valor: Locally produced chocolate, available in various forms and flavors.
Local Tips
For the best photos, visit the beach early in the morning when the light is soft and the area is less crowded. The Valor Chocolate Museum can get busy, so consider booking your tour in advance. The Old Town is particularly picturesque in the late afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow on the colorful houses.
ItineraryTrip
Explore your next itineray destination with our AI travel agent. ... Because travel planning can be easy.
Get Aways
Travel guides
One day trip
Welcome to our AI-powered travel expert hub!
Dive into an interactive experience where you can ask ANYTHING about the countries, cities or attractions you plan to visit. It will like having a local guide at your fingertips!
New to the adventure? You can create new account and unlock a world of travel wisdom.
Already a seasoned explorer? Simply just Log in and let the fun begin!
